Boils?

[brody]

Hi-- I searched around a bit, and while there were some people talking about boils, theirs sounded a bit more serious than mine are, and didn't sound related.

I just certified, but this has happened to me 2x already-- once in the pool, and sometime over the weekend diving from 15-45 feet.

What it basically is is this-- On my hands, (this was the first time) i had 2 pimple-esq boils on the back of a left hand finger, and about 3-5 days later, a MESS of them showed up on the inside of my right hand-- prior to being visiable, they just felt like I'd been in a fight with a rose bush.
The second time, I've developed visiability much sooner, either 1 or 2 days after the dive, depending on when I got them initially. They're on my big toe and little toe on my right foot. Not nearly as many, but much more painful, with a lot of swelling on the little toe.

The first ones were almost definetly NOT bacteria related, as i wasnt wearing gloves, and my wet suit has been thoroughly disinfected. The second ones could have been bacteria related, (i did pee) but they're at least incredibly similar to the first set.

Anyone know anything? If not, I'll be going to the doctor, but I've already discovered my GP is pretty much clueless about diving.

Thanks! Hell of an introduction huh?

 

[TSandM]

I really wonder if this is at all diving-related. If you did not wear gloves in the pool, you weren't exposed to neoprene or anything allergic. The pool water is heavily chlorinated, which could cause a contact dermatitis type eruption, but the salt water of the later dives is not, and should not have the same reaction.

Getting pustules on your feet from the open water dives could be related to a neoprene allergy (if you were wearing booties) or friction (from booties and fins) or an underlying illness that's causing lesions on the hands and feet (like cocksackie virus).

I'd see a physician and have the lesions inspected and perhaps cultured. They may not have anything to do with diving at all, except perhaps that being in the water macerates skin and makes invasive infection more likely (eg. with something like MRSA).

 

[Papa_Bear]

The Marine environment is inherently hazardous with bare feet and bitting critters all about! Hydroids can be unseen and have the described effect.... The pool can have rough surfaces and PH balance can effect the skin? I have bruised, cut, contused, sprained, and caused pain to my own body and appendages many times! With bare hands you could have stuck your finger above water as well under it! Good luck!

 

[deco_martini]

If you want to know what a boil looks like, search for it on youtube. Warning: you may experience nausea.

 

[Kevrumbo]

Go see your GP, especially if you start developing a fever along with the "boils" spreading all over the next day or two --I got a nasty case of Impetigo, coming home from an Indonesian Liveaboard (the source of which was from a dirty dive deck towel). . .

 

[dsstandiford]

Microbiologist here.... Are the "boils" more like blisters? Or are they full blown impetigo with white puss? If they are blisters then the chances of MRSA infection are slim to none considering your a-febrile. The chances of it being some other organism is also slim to none considering the different aquatic environments. You are having what is most likely an allergic reaction. There is something in your gear whether it's neoprene, rubber, or denim that is causing you to have these reactions. Of course if you are febrile and the "boils" are filled with puss then the above posters are probably correct. You have some form of infection. Let us know how it turns out! Good luck.

 

[TSandM]

Just to set the record straight . . . I have seen many patients with cutaneous MRSA who do not have fevers. dstandiford is right, though. MRSA lesions will be like pimples or boils filled with creamy pus, not clear blister fluid.

 

[fisherdvm]

I'd suggest a dermatologist. One can ague what it is and what it isn't, but to see them in live person is best. Off the top of my head I am thinking of herpetic whitlow, dishydrotic eczema, pustular psoriasis, infection, contact allergic dermatitis, and venomous coral sting.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Brody,

Herpetic whitlow (eMedicine - Herpetic Whitlow : Article by Michael S Omori) seems quite unlikely, but prompt examination by a dermatologist does seem a very good idea.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[brody]

Well long story short, the dermo tried to convince me that I had (its pretty much passed anyway) Pernio-- basically, my blood vessels couldn't cope with the temperature and I got boils and swollen toes.
My arguement is this-- the water was 54 at the surface, and probably not less that 40 at depth. My face was a little cold, and while sitting around (literally) I got a bit chilled, but nothing major, and as soon as we resumed activity, i warmed right back up. Also, and its a big also, I pretty much wear flipflops year round, and have NEVER had this problem before.
Anyway, I'm not looking into ways to keep my feet even warmer, because this isn't something I'm willing to go through again if its optional.
My boots are 7mm! What can I do?